Eight young people have recently graduated from a new hospitality programme in Liverpool, delivered by nationwide training provider Seetec Outsource and Job Centre Plus, with five graduates securing permanent roles in hospitality.
Following the initial success of the programme, a new cohort of 10 young individuals began this week on the 10th February, with participants also expected to be offered permanent positions upon completion.
The six-week course, delivered in partnership with one of the city’s biggest hospitality operators, Signature Living, blends all aspects of working within the industry, with in-venue work experience that equips individuals who have never worked before with all the skills they need to be successful from day one.
The programme focuses on food safety, customer service, employability with additional training on cocktail making and barista skills, plus 18 days of work placements within the Signature Living head office and across the group’s hotels, restaurants and bars within the city.
The week finishes with an exit review, interview and opportunity for Signature Living to offer permanent jobs to the candidates. The first course saw five out of the eight individuals being offered employment as a direct result of this fantastic training experience.
Brandon and Stacey, recently graduated from the programme, both being offered permanent positions within the Signature Living group.
Brandon had begun his career in hospitality, taking agency shifts at Aintree Racecourse and Haydock. With aspirations to open his own bar, he felt he needed to obtain further experience and a full-time position within the hospitality industry. Following the completion of the course, Brandon was offered a permanent role as bartender at The Shankly Hotel.
Brandon said: “I felt a bit nervous at first, as there were a lot of people on the programme, but I knew this could be the opportunity I needed and it felt like I had a chance to learn how successful bars are run. I’m now so excited to be getting up and going to work and actually doing something I really want to do.”
Stacey was new to the world of employment, and was keen to explore her skill set. During the course, she grew in confidence and was able to expand her skills and explore the different elements of hospitality. Her confidence and friendly demeanor impressed and she offered a full-time position as a cocktail waitress at Alma De Cuba.
Gary Bennett employment and engagement manager from Seetec Outsource said, “Hospitality is absolutely booming in Liverpool and offers a range of exciting careers for young people looking for a job that they will love. By working with the team at Signature Living, we have been able to give our eight hopefuls an insight into what a job in hospitality would include, whilst also offering them the chance to interview for roles within the business.
“An initiative like this is great for young people and employers alike as it showcases both parties perfectly and offers a chance to make great partnerships.Brandon and Stacey both showed commitment and enthusiasm for hospitality from day one. I knew that they would secure roles because of their willingness to learn, team working skills and friendliness.”
In 2017, 64.2 million people travelled to Liverpool and figures show that in 2018, the city’s tourism economy reached an all-time high with an estimated net worth of £4.5 billion*. This has had a direct impact on the hospitality industry, supporting 35,000 jobs in 2017 which is believed to be worth over £3billion to the local economy.
For more information visit https://www.seetec.co.uk/employer call 0800 38 91 999 or e-mail [email protected].